Cleaning of submerged surfaces by discharge of pressurized cavitating fluids

ABSTRACT

A fluid discharge apparatus adapted to discharge a cavitating stream of pressurized liquid along with the selective discharge of a secondary material, such as sand, for removing dirt, debris, barnacles, marine growth, and other substances from surfaces is provided. More particularly, the invention contemplates a secondary hose inlet and nozzle outlet for discharging abrasive material, such as silica, to improve cleaning effectiveness. The combination of a secondary fluid or abrasive substance with the gas bubbles within the cavitating liquid stream that essentially explode upon impacting debris resulting in tremendous pressure fluxuations provides improved effectiveness in removing debris and aquatic growth from the submerged surface. The invention further improves upon the control of such devices with controls that allow the diver/operator to adjust flow rates and thrust without releasing his grasp. An improved hand-held apparatus is disclosed with a pistol grip and trigger actuator, and an improved wheeled vehicle is disclosed with improved control handles adapted to actuate valves and closure ports.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/396,981, filed Mar. 25, 2003.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

N/A

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or patent disclosure as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to fluid discharging apparatus, and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method of commingling two pressurized fluids, such as a liquid and a gas, and discharging the commingled fluids in concentric spiral streams at a user controlled flow rate, whereby the commingled fluids are useful in cleaning surfaces.

2. Description of the Background Art

Various devices exist for dispensing mixtures of liquids and pressurized gas. Such devices are commonly used in pressure washing, the application of liquid fertilizers, snow making, foam making, as well as a variety of other applications. These prior art devices are generally characterized as having inlet ports for receiving the fluids, internal mixing chambers for commingling the fluids, and at least one outlet port for discharging the fluids.

The prior art reveals an apparatus developed in Russia for use in cleaning underwater surfaces. Russian Patent No. 2,168,441 (also identified as WO 01/10577 and PCT/RU99/00278) discloses a Hydrodynamic Tool for Surface Cleaning. That device comprises a hand-held device having a pistol grip connected to a source of pressurized water and a barrel section having a nozzle adapted for generating cavitation in flowing fluid discharged therefrom. The device is used to discharge a pressurized stream of water with cavitation generated gas bubbles to assist in removing debris and biological matter that has accumulated on various submerged surfaces.

Russian Patent No. 2,168,440 (also identified as WO 01/10576 and PCT/RU/00277) discloses a wheeled configuration for discharging pressurized stream of water with cavitation generated gas bubbles to assist in removing debris and biological matter that has accumulated on various submerged surfaces. The wheeled configuration comprises a generally saucer shaped device wherein a pair of cavitation nozzles are disposed arms pivotally connected to the underside of the device. The wheeled device is maneuvered over a submerged surface by a diver while the spinning cavitation nozzles discharge a pressurized stream of water with cavitation generated gas bubbles to assist in removing debris and biological matter that has accumulated on various submerged surfaces.

The two specifically referenced devices of the prior art, however, are each burdended with similar disadvantages. More particularly, both the hand-held and wheeled devices are limited to discharging cavitating water flow, and are not adapted for the additional discharge of a an abrasive material, such as sand, for more effective removal of debris and marine growth from submerged surfaces. In addition, each of the specifically referenced devices include control levers that have proven difficult to manipulate by an operator in a diving suit.

Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved fluid discharging apparatus wherein cleaning effectiveness is improved by discharging a cavitating stream of pressurized fluid along with a granular abrasive material, such as sand. There further exists a need for such apparatus wherein improved control mechanisms simplify operation.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention improves upon the prior art devices by providing an improved fluid discharge apparatus adapted to discharge a cavitating stream of pressurized liquid along with the selective discharge of an abrasive material, such as sand, for removing dirt, debris, barnacles, marine growth, and other substances from surfaces. More particularly, the invention contemplates a secondary hose inlet and nozzle outlet for discharging abrasive material, such as silica, to improve cleaning effectiveness. The combination of a secondary fluid or abrasive substance with the gas bubbles within the cavitating liquid stream that essentially explode upon impacting debris resulting in tremendous pressure fluxuations provides improved effectiveness in removing debris and aquatic growth from the submerged surface.

The present invention further provides improvements in the operation and control of said devices by providing ergonomic controls.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved hydrodynamic tool for use in removing debris and marine growth from submerged surfaces.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid handling apparatus for discharging dual streams, including a cavitating stream of pressurized liquid and a pressurized abrasive.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of cleaning surfaces using a pressurized spray.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of cleaning marine deposits from submerged surfaces.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus adapted with easy to use controls.

In accordance with these and other objects, which will become apparent hereinafter, the instant invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fluid discharge apparatus according to the present invention;

FIGS. 2-5 are partial cross-sectional views thereof;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are exploded views thereof;

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate use of the fluid discharge apparatus in a marine environment to clean the hull of a marine vessel;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the handle forming housing;

FIG. 13 is a perspective transparent view of the barrel section of the fluid discharging apparatus;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a fluid handling component adapted for engagement with the barrel section;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the barrel section of the fluid discharging apparatus;

FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view thereof;

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view of the fluid discharging apparatus;

FIG. 18 is a side view of a fully assembled fluid discharging apparatus, less the nozzle;

FIG. 19 is a partial sectional view thereof;

FIG. 20 is a detailed view of the flow adjusting trigger mechanism; and

FIG. 21 is a flow chart depicting the fluid handling process;

FIG. 22 shows a hand-held apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging a cavitating fluid stream according to the prior art;

FIG. 23 shows an improved hand-held apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging cavitating fluid streams according to the present invention;

FIG. 24 shows a side sectional view of a wheeled apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces according to the prior art;

FIG. 25 shows a side view of an improved wheeled apparatus for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces according to the present invention;

FIG. 26 shows a side sectional view thereof; and

FIG. 27 shows a top view thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts hand-held hydrodynamic tools for use in removing debris from submerged surfaces using cavitating streams of pressurized fluid in accordance with the prior art. There is depicted a fluid discharge apparatus, generally referenced as 10, suitable for use in pressure cleaning. Fluid discharge apparatus 10 is adapted to commingle two fluids, preferably a pressurized liquid and a pressurized gas, and to discharge the commingle fluids in a high-pressure stream wherein the gas is disposed in the center of a stream of swirling liquid. As discussed more fully below, the pressurized stream is particularly useful in removing deposits from surfaces, and particularly useful in removing marine deposits from submerged surfaces.

As best depicted in FIGS. 1-7, fluid discharge apparatus 10 includes a pistol grip shaped housing 12 having a handle adapted with internally threaded ports, referenced as 14 and 16, for receiving first and second pressurized fluids via inlet hoses 18 and 20. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second pressurized fluids comprise water and air respectively. Pressurized water flows through water inlet hose 18 into a water inlet channel 22 defined in the handle portion of housing 12, and pressurized air flows through air inlet hose 20 into an air inlet channel 24 defined in the handle portion of housing 12.

Water inlet channel 22 terminates in communication with an adjustable water flow regulator assembly 30. In a preferred embodiment, water flow regulator assembly 30 includes a generally hollow cylindrical member 32 having a wall defining a circumferential slotted opening 34 through which water may flow. Slotted opening 34 defines an opening area that originates at a first circumferential point and expands toward termination at a second circumferentially spaced point. Cylindrical member 32 is adjustable by rotation thereof, and includes a rotatable knob 36 disposed external to housing 12 for enabling user adjustment of the water flow rate. Rotation of knob 36 positions cylindrical member 32, and particularly slotted opening 34, relative to water inlet channel 22 such that the flow rate of water is regulated based on the size slotted opening disposed in aligned communication with water inlet channel 22. Flow regulator assembly 30 further includes a plurality of circumferentially disposed apertures, referenced as 38, aligned with air inlet channel 24 so as to allow for the commingling of pressurized air and water.

The flow regulator assembly has an outlet in communication with a rotational flow-inducing barrel 40. Barrel 40 is a generally tubular member that functions as a conduit for the commingled fluid. Barrel 40 has an inner wall defining radially inwardly projecting spiral baffles, referenced as 42. A significant aspect of the present invention relates to the use of the spiral baffle structure to induce rotational flow in the fluids (e.g. liquid and gas) flowing therethrough. More particularly, spiral baffles 42 function to cause commingled liquid and gas (e.g. water and air) to flow in a spiral path while traveling through barrel 40. By causing the fluids to flow in a spiral path an axial region of low pressure is formed which draws gas bubbles into the axial region. In addition, causing the flow to swirl maximizes commingling of the fluids such that the liquid becomes saturated with gas. Consequently, a composite stream is formed with water (saturated with air) existing at the periphery of the stream and air bubbles existing in the center region of the stream. The spiral flow thereby creates an axial region of low pressure which draws the gas radially inward resulting in a composite stream including a rotating stream of liquid surrounding a concentrically disposed stream of gas. The composite stream is discharged from the apparatus through a nozzle 50.

A trigger, referenced as 52, functions to vary the flow rate of the discharge stream. In a preferred embodiment, trigger 52 has a connection point that is pivotally connected to housing 12, and an end 54 that is connected to barrel 40. Barrel 40 includes a spring 56 that biases the barrel into sealing engagement with the flow regulator assembly 30 in a configuration wherein flow is shut off. User actuation of trigger 52 moves barrel 40 away from regulator assembly 30 thereby allowing the pressurized liquid and gas to enter barrel 40 whereafter the commingled fluid stream is discharged from nozzle 50.

As best depicted in FIGS. 8-11, the present invention is particularly useful in removing marine debris from submerged surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, pressurized water and air are supplied to the fluid discharge apparatus by hoses connected to a suitable pressure source, such as a pump and/or compressor. When used in a submerged environment, fluid discharge apparatus 10 may be operated underwater by a diver. It has been found that the commingled stream of fluids produced by the apparatus is particularly effective in removing debris on submerged surfaces as the gas component of the discharged stream literally explodes upon contacting the surface thereby removing surrounding debris.

With reference now FIG. 22 there is depicted a hand-held apparatus, referenced as 100, for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by discharging a cavitating fluid stream according to the prior art. This apparatus is disclosed in Russian patent publication No. 29,026, and includes a handle 102, an pressurized fluid inlet 104 connected to the handle, a manually actuated valve 106, and a barrel 108 connected downstream of valve 106. Valve 106 functions to regulate flow through the device and is manually actuated by a projecting lever 106A. Barrel 108 includes a forward discharge end 110 and a rearward discharge end 112. Forward discharge end 110 is adapted with a cavitation generating internal chamber section 114, that functions to generate cavitation in pressurized fluid flowing therethrough such that gas bubbles are formed prior to discharge from discharge end 110. Rearward discharge end 112 allows a portion of the pressurized fluid flowing through barrel 108 to be discharged reawardly to produce reverse thrust that assists the underwater operator in maintaining hand-held apparatus 100 in a the desired position and orientation by counteracting thrust produced by the cavitating fluid stream discharged from the forward discharge end 110 when in use.

Prior art hand-held apparatus 100, however, is burdened by a number of significant disadvantages that inhibit easy and effective use of the device by a diver while underwater. More particularly, manual actuation of flow regulating valve 106 by manipulation of lever 106A, requires the use of two hands and thus has proven awkward and difficult for the user. The difficulties are compounded because the user is often wearing a bulky diving suit and gear, and is operating the device in a harsh submerged environment. Accordingly, the prior art device fails to provide effective fluid control. A further limitation of the prior art apparatus 100 relates to the single barrel limitation. More particulary, the prior art device is limited to discharging but a single fluid, typically a cavitating stream of water. There often exists a need, however, to supplement the cavitating fluid stream by discharging either a second fluid stream or an abrasive.

With reference now to FIG. 23 there is depicted an improved double barrel hand-held apparatus, referenced as 150, for cleaning debris from submerged surfaces by selectively discharging a first and second fluid streams, or a first fluid stream and an abrasive, such as granular material or sand. Apparatus 150 includes a handle 152, first and second pressurized fluid inlets, referenced as 154 and 156 respectively, connected to handle 152. Apparatus 150 further includes first and second trigger actuated valves 160 and 162 for controlling flow through dual barrels 164 and 166 connected downstream of valves 160 and 162. As should be apparent, valves 160 and 162 function to selectively regulate flow through the respective barrels 164 and 166. Each valve 160 and 162 includes a trigger-type manual actuator, referenced as 160A and 162A respectively. The provision of trigger actuated flow control valves allows the user to regulate flow using one hand and thus greatly improves ease of use.

Barrel 164 is fluidly connected to valve 160 and inlet 154, and includes a forward discharge end 170 and a rearward discharge end 172. Forward discharge end 170 is adapted with a cavitation generating internal chamber section 174, that functions to generate cavitation in pressurized fluid flowing therethrough such that gas bubbles are formed prior to discharge from discharge end 170. Rearward discharge end 172 allows a portion of the pressurized fluid flowing through barrel 164 to be discharged reawardly to produce reverse thrust that assists the underwater operator in maintaining hand-held apparatus 150 in a the desired position and orientation by counteracting thrust produced by the cavitating fluid stream discharged from the forward discharge end 170 when in use.

Barrel 166 is fluidly connected to valve 162 and inlet 154, and includes a forward discharge end 180, and may include a rearward discharge end 182. In a first embodiment, forward discharge end 180 may be adapted with a cavitation generating internal chamber section 184, that functions to generate cavitation in pressurized fluid flowing therethrough such that gas bubbles are formed prior to discharge from discharge end 180. In an alternate embodiment, barrel 166 merely serves as a conduit for discharging a secondary substance, such as a granular material. Rearward discharge end 182 may further be adapted with a rear discharge such that a portion of the pressurized fluid flowing through barrel 166 may be discharged reawardly to produce reverse thrust that assists the underwater operator in maintaining hand-held apparatus 150 in a the desired position and orientation by counteracting thrust produced by the cavitating fluid stream discharged from the forward discharge end 180 when in use. However, in an embodiment wherein a granular material is discharged from end 180, it is contemplated that rear discharge outlet 182 may be eliminated. Discharge end 180 may be oriented toward discharge end 170 of barrel 164 so as to inject an abrasive substance, such as sand, into the cavitating stream discharged from barrel 164 so as to enhance cleaning effectiveness.

FIG. 24 depicts a side sectional view of the wheeled embodiment apparatus 200 disclosed in the prior art Russian patent. Wheeled apparatus 200 include a main body 202 including an upper deck 203 and depending skirt 204 defining a plurality of apertures 206 therein. Upper deck 203 includes a plurality of openable and closeable vent apertures 205. The opening of vent apertures 205 provides an inlet for surrounding water thereby reducing the suction effect generated during operation, while the closing of vent apertures 205 increases the suction effect for maintaining apparatus 200 in contact with the submerged surface. A significant disadvantage with the apparatus, however, relates the difficulty experience by the diver in opening and closing the vent apertures. Body 202 further includes wheels 208 and 209 adapted for rotating engagement on a submerged surface when in use. Projecting upwardly from body 202 are concentrically disposed inner and outer annular members, referenced as 210 and 212, which provide grasping structures for the diver/user to facilitate manipulating the device.

The fluid handling component structure of the prior art device includes an inlet 220 adapted for connection to a hose that functions as a conduit for a pressurized fluid. Inlet 220 is in fluid communication with a manually actuated valve 222 having a lever-type valve handle 222A. Valve 222 is in fluid communication with a vertically disposed, axial fluid conduit 224 attached to body 202. Axial fluid conduit 224 includes first and second outlets, referenced as 230 and 240 respectively.

Outlet 230 is disposed on the upper surface of body 202 and includes a conduit 232 connected to axial fluid conduit 224, a manually actuated valve 234, and a conduit 236 terminating in an outlet connected to valve 234. Outlet 230 functions to discharge a portion of the fluid flowing through axial fluid conduit 224 in a direction substantially parallel to the submerged surface upon which apparatus is in rolling engagement with. The fluid discharged from outlet 230 produces thrust that propels apparatus 200 along the submerged surface to be cleaned. The operator controls the thrust level, from minimum to maximum, using lever 234A on valve 234. A significant disadvantage present with apparatus 200 relates to the awkward positioning of lever 234A, which requires the diver to remove one hand from the apparatus simply to manipulate the lever and resulting thrust.

Outlet 240 is fluidly connected to axial fluid conduit 224 within the area bounded by body 202, and particularly below upper deck 203. Outlet 240 includes a rotating conduit 242 terminating in oppositely oriented outlets 244 and cavitation generating chamber sections 246. Cavitation generating chamber sections 246 function to produce a cavitating fluid flow prior to discharge via outlets 244 by provision of a rapidly expanding internal volume. As should be apparent, fluid flow is controlled by the diver using handle 222A on valve 222.

With reference to FIGS. 25-27 there is depicted an improved wheeled cavitation cleaning apparatus, generally referenced as 300, according to the present invention. Wheeled apparatus 300 includes a main body 302 including an upper deck 303 and depending skirt 304 defining a plurality of peripheral apertures 306 therein. Body 302 further includes wheels 308 and 309 adapted for rotating engagement on a submerged surface when in use.

Upper deck 303 includes a plurality of openable and closeable vent apertures 305. The opening of vent apertures 305 provides an inlet for surrounding water thereby reducing the suction effect generated during operation, while the closing of vent apertures 305 increases the suction effect for maintaining apparatus 300 in contact with the submerged surface. A significant improvement in the apparatus of the present invention over the prior art apparatus relates to the provision of a control handle, referenced as 310, having a mechanical linkage to the closure structure for vent apertures 305. More particularly, the present invention includes providing a combination handle 310 including a lever actuator 312 that is mechanically connected to the closure structure for vent apertures for selectively opening and closing the vent apertures thereby decreasing and increasing the suction effect respectively. Lever actuator 312 is preferably biased to away from handle 310 in a position corresponding to an closed configuration for vent apertures 305. In an alternate embodiment, control may be accomplished by rotation of handle 310 in lieu of the lever actuation. Accordingly, the diver may adjust the suction pressure, without releasing his grip, by simply pulling in on the lever (or alternately by rotation of the handle) to selectively reduce or increase the suction effect.

The fluid handling component structure of the cavitation cleaning apparatus of the present invention includes first and second inlets 320 and 330. Each inlet is adapted for connection to a hose (not shown) that functions as a conduit for a pressurized fluid or other substance. In a preferred embodiment, inlet 320 is connected to a hose containing pressurized fluid, such as water, and inlet 330 is connected to a hose containing a pressurized abrasive substance, such as sand or any other suitable substance. Inlet 320 includes a manually actuated valve 322 actuated by a lever-type valve handle 323. Valve 322 is in fluid communication with a fluid conduit 324 attached to body 302 and routed axially through body 302 as best depicted in FIG. 27. Similarly, inlet 330 includes a manually actuated valve 332 actuated by a lever-type valve handle 333, or alternatively by rotation of the handle. Valve 332 is in fluid communication with a fluid conduit 334 attached to body 302 and routed axially through body 302. Fluid conduit 324 is connected to an outlet conduit 340, and fluid conduit 334 is connected to an outlet conduit 350. Outlet conduit 340 includes dual opposing outlets 344 and corresponding dual cavitation generating chambers 342 for producing a cavitating flow that is discharged from discharge outlets 344. In addition, fluid conduit 334 is in communication with outlet conduit 350 and dual discharge outlets 352. Accordingly, the present invention provides outlets for discharging two different media, such as a cavitating stream of pressurize fluid from outlets 344, and a secondary substance, such as sand or the like, from outlets 352. The dual outlets and combined substances provide enhanced cleaning effectiveness.

In addition, the present invention contemplates a third handle and valve assembly for controlling thrust. More particularly, apparatus 300 and particularly handle 310 may be further adapted to control thrust. In one embodiment, handle 300 may include a secondary control such as a rotatable grip, similar to that found on a motorcycle, that controls thrust via discharge outlet 360. Thus, rotation of handle 310 actuates a flow control 311 valve having an inlet in communication with pressurized fluid, such as conduit 324.

As should be apparent, the present invention provides improvements in the art of cleaning debris from submerged surfaces, and particularly improves upon the control of such devices with controls that allow the diver/operator to adjust flow rates and thrust without releasing his grasp, while improving cleaning effectiveness by providing controllable dual flow outlets and the use of abrasive substances.

The instant invention has been shown and described herein in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of the invention and that obvious structural and/or functional modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. 

1. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus for removing debris from submerged surfaces using a pressurized fluid stream having cavitating flow characteristics, said apparatus comprising: a body having a first inlet for receiving a liquid under pressure and an second inlet for receiving a second substance under pressure; means for regulating the flow rate of said liquid between a minimum and maximum flow rate; means for generating cavitation in said liquid; means for discharging said liquid in a cavitating flow state; means for regulating the flow rate of said second substance between a minimum and maximum flow rate; means for discharging said second substance in proximity to said means for discharging said liquid in a cavitating state; means for generating thrust by discharging at least a portion of said liquid.
 2. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus according, to claim 1 wherein said means for means for regulating the flow rate of said liquid between a minimum and maximum flow rate includes a handle having a trigger-type actuator.
 3. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for regulating the flow rate of said second substance between a minimum and maximum flow rate includes a handle having a trigger-type actuator.
 4. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second substance is a granular material.
 5. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus for removing debris from submerged surfaces using a pressurized fluid stream having cavitating flow characteristics, said apparatus comprising: a body having a first inlet for receiving a liquid under pressure and an second inlet for receiving a second substance under pressure; said first inlet in fluid communication with a first manual control valve having a trigger-type actuator for regulating the flow rate of said liquid between a minimum and maximum flow rate; said first manual control valve in fluid communication with an expansion chamber for generating cavitation in said liquid; said expansion chamber in fluid communication with a first outlet for discharging said liquid in a cavitating flow state; said second inlet in fluid communication with a second manual control valve having a trigger-type actuator for regulating the flow rate of said second substance between a minimum and maximum flow rate; said second manual control valve in fluid communication with a second outlet positioned for discharging said second substance in proximity to said first outlet; and said first inlet also in fluid communication with a thrust flow control valve having a thrust outlet for generating thrust using at least a portion of said liquid.
 6. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said body is a hand-held structure.
 7. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, wherein said thrust outlet is oriented approximately 180 degrees relative to said first outlet.
 8. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said body is a wheeled structure having an upper deck, said upper deck defining a plurality of vent apertures, said body including means for selectively opening and closing said vent apertures.
 9. A hydrodynamic cleaning apparatus according to claim 8, wherein said means for selectively opening and closing said vent apertures includes a handle having a trigger-type actuator. 